California power shutoffs

More Than 80 Instances of Wind-Driven Damage or Hazards Found on PG&E Power Lines That Were De-energized for Sept. 7-10 Public Safety Power Shutoff

Retrieved on: 
Friday, September 25, 2020

Any of these could have potentially led to a wildfire had the lines not been turned off during the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event that started on Sept. 7, 2020.

Key Points: 
  • Any of these could have potentially led to a wildfire had the lines not been turned off during the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event that started on Sept. 7, 2020.
  • Still, we know turning off the power represents a significant hardship for our customers.
  • For 2020, PG&E has been focusing on making PSPS events smaller in size, shorter in duration and smarter for customers.
  • Those inspections revealed more than 80 instances of weather-related damage and hazards in the PSPS-affected areas.

PG&E Helping Customers Prepare in Advance of Public Safety Power Shutoff Events with New Watch and Warning Notifications

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 22, 2020

A PSPS Watch will be upgraded to a Warning when forecasted conditions show that a safety shutoff will be needed, and that it is going to happen soon.

Key Points: 
  • A PSPS Watch will be upgraded to a Warning when forecasted conditions show that a safety shutoff will be needed, and that it is going to happen soon.
  • Whenever possible, Warning notifications will be sent approximately four to 12 hours in advance of the power being shutoff.
  • Both Watch and Warning notifications are directly tied to weather forecasts, which can change rapidly.
  • When power is turned off, PG&E will provide updates to customers at least once a day until power is restored.

‘Preparing for Public Safety Power Shutoffs’ TV Program Provides Customers with Important Information and Preparedness Tips

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, September 17, 2020

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is continuing its important safety work to prevent wildfires while adapting to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Points: 
  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is continuing its important safety work to prevent wildfires while adapting to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To keep customers informed, PG&E is airing a 30-minute TV program throughout its Northern and Central California service area providing details of its Community Wildfire Safety Program and sharing ways customers and communities can plan and prepare for Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) events.
  • The program will air in local markets over the next two weekends to provide customers viewing options, and is currently available to stream on YouTube.
  • Your safety is our most important responsibility, said Laurie Giammona, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer for PG&E.

Public Safety Power Shutoff Update: For Customers Who Can Be Restored, Approximately 97 Percent Now Have Power

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, September 10, 2020

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has restored power to approximately 97 percent of customers who can be restored and who were affected by the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event beginning late Monday night, Sept. 7.

Key Points: 
  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has restored power to approximately 97 percent of customers who can be restored and who were affected by the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event beginning late Monday night, Sept. 7.
  • Customers who are still without power tonight are expected to be restored by noon Thursday, if PG&E is able to patrol the remaining areas by helicopter.
  • In areas where equipment was damaged by the severe wind event, the damages will be repaired before customers will be restored.
  • Notify Customers Customers are notified that power has been restored.

Public Safety Power Shutoff Update: More Than 60,000 Customers Restored

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has restored power to more than 60,000 customers impacted by the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event that started Monday night, Sept. 7.

Key Points: 
  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has restored power to more than 60,000 customers impacted by the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event that started Monday night, Sept. 7.
  • If inspections find no damage or hazards to electrical equipment, PG&E crews can begin restoring customers.
  • If any equipment was damaged by the severe wind event, the damages will be repaired before customers will be restored.
  • Notify Customers Customers are notified that power has been restored.

PG&E Has Redesigned Community Resource Centers to Reflect COVID-19 Health Protocols for 2020 Public Safety Power Shutoffs

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 8, 2020

A Public Safety Power Shutoff for the remaining 650 customers in Kern County will begin at approximately 2 p.m. today.

Key Points: 
  • A Public Safety Power Shutoff for the remaining 650 customers in Kern County will begin at approximately 2 p.m. today.
  • Besides these health protocols, customers visiting a CRC in 2020 will experience further changes, including a different look and feel.
  • PG&E is working hard every day to improve the safety of its electric system and reduce wildfire risks through the Community Wildfire Safety Program.
  • To learn more about PG&Es plans for Community Resource Centers and how the company has worked to improve Public Safety Power Shutoffs, go to www.pge.com/wildfiresafety .

For Public Safety Due to Severe Weather, PG&E has Begun Process of Turning Off Power in High Fire-Threat Areas

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has begun the process of power de-energization of numerous electrical lines as part of a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) due to severe weather conditions.

Key Points: 
  • Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has begun the process of power de-energization of numerous electrical lines as part of a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) due to severe weather conditions.
  • We are working to reduce the number of customers affected and the length of time they are without power.
  • The process to shut off power began at around 9 p.m. today, Monday, Sept. 7, 2020.
  • Once the high winds subside, PG&E will inspect the de-energized lines to ensure they were not damaged during the wind event, and then restore power.

Amid Extreme Heat, Forecasted Offshore Dry Wind Event Means PG&E Might Need to Proactively Turn Off Power for Safety in Portions of 18 Counties

Retrieved on: 
Monday, September 7, 2020

Given the expected conditions, PG&E began its 24-hour advance notifications to customers in areas where PG&E may need to proactively turn power off for safety to reduce the risk of wildfire from energized power lines.

Key Points: 
  • Given the expected conditions, PG&E began its 24-hour advance notifications to customers in areas where PG&E may need to proactively turn power off for safety to reduce the risk of wildfire from energized power lines.
  • The potential PSPS starting Monday evening could impact approximately 103,000 customers in portions of 18 counties in the Sierra foothills and North Bay.
  • Customer notificationsvia text, email and automated phone callbegan late Saturday afternoon, approximately 48 hours prior to the potential shutoff.
  • PG&E carefully reviews a combination of many criteria when determining if power should be turned off for safety.

As Heat Wave Continues, Forecasted Offshore Dry Wind Event Means PG&E Might Need to Proactively Turn Off Power for Safety in Portions of 17 Counties

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, September 6, 2020

The potential Monday-evening Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) could impact approximately 103,000 customers in portions of 17 counties in the Sierra foothills, North Bay and East Bay.

Key Points: 
  • The potential Monday-evening Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) could impact approximately 103,000 customers in portions of 17 counties in the Sierra foothills, North Bay and East Bay.
  • Customer notificationsvia text, email and automated phone callbegan late this afternoon, approximately 48 hours prior to the potential shutoff.
  • Due to forecasted extreme weather conditions, PG&E is considering proactively turning off power for safety.
  • PG&E carefully reviews a combination of many criteria when determining if power should be turned off for safety.

PG&E Has Redesigned Community Resource Centers for Potential Public Safety Power Shutoff Events to Reflect COVID-19 Health Protocols

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, September 1, 2020

PG&E will open CRCs in every county where PG&E initiates a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).

Key Points: 
  • PG&E will open CRCs in every county where PG&E initiates a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).
  • While a PSPS is an important wildfire safety tool, losing power disrupts lives, especially for customers sheltering-at-home in response to COVID-19.
  • Besides these health protocols, customers visiting a CRC in 2020 will experience further changes, including a different look and feel.
  • To learn more about PG&Es plans for Community Resource Centers and how the company has worked to improve Public Safety Power Shutoffs, go to www.pge.com/wildfiresafety .